apathy. As a proud African, there is a tendency to feel slighted by
such statements but a critical review of several sectors in our
society will reveal that such a statement is an axiom. Ignorance, not
illiteracy, is our problem. Probably because Africa evolved from an
Oralous society where communication is effected through drums and
knowledge is passed through songs, tales and folklores, there is that
tendency in the African not to quest for knowledge but to wait for it
to come to you.
Concerned at the spate of non-involvement of the youth in Voluntary
blood donation in Nigeria, BLOOD DRIVE INITIATIVE embarked on a study
among students of higher institutions of learning in the south-western
region of Nigeria. 74% or our respondents said they do not donate
blood because they are not aware there is a need, or they've not been
asked. 11% complained about the attitude of the personnel and time
required for the exercise. 6% complained about proximity to a donation
centre, 9% wanted remuneration for such an effort. 74% is a large
number in itself but considering that this study was conducted among
students in tertiary institutions makes it more mind boggling. If
Nigeria is going to attain 100VNRD status, we must remove ignorance
from the cog of the wheel of the blood transfusion service.
Lala Oluwatobi K
Executive Director, Admin
BLOOD DRIVE INITIATIVE
